Real musicians cannot afford to lose the rhythm. That is why literally from the first days of training they are introduced to the metronome. It helps to develop an internal sense of rhythm, without which it is impossible to maintain the required tempo even when performing independently, not to mention playing together with other musicians.
While until recently the only option was a traditional mechanical metronome, now there is a choice of many apps that play the same role and often have much more capabilities.
Soundbrenner
Without a doubt, Soundbrenner deservedly takes the first place in this list. This application has won over musicians with its elegant design, functionality and user-friendly interface.
It is easy to set the tempo, the time signature, and it is also easy to save songs and playlists. Add to this the control via the wireless Bluetooth interface and you get just the perfect instrument. A good addition would be the Soundbrenner Pulse wrist metronome with a Body Strap. In addition, there is pedal support. You can connect the pedal to your mobile device, then assign it actions such as play and pause, tapping the tempo or switching between songs.
In addition to everything described, there is a crushing function, a rhythm library, and Ableton Link support. For greater convenience, you can adjust the screen backlight and vibration. Multi-user synchronization is supported.
Available for Android / iPhone.
Metronomerous
Don't worry, Android users, we haven't forgotten about you! Here's a completely free app with no ads. Metronomerous has eighths, sixteenths, triplets, quintuplets, and sevenths. Volume and accents are adjusted independently.
Another feature of Metronomerous is the way the tempo is set. The tempo can be set using the slider, the Tap tempo function, or, the old-fashioned way, by entering the desired numerical value in the corresponding field. The application uses only traditional Italian tempo notations.
Available for Android.
Metronome Beats
Metronome Beats' visual indicators let you know if you're falling out of time. You can turn off the metronome's sound while still seeing the tempo. There are also some good options when it comes to sound settings. You can even change the pitch of the sound so it can be heard clearly against other instruments.
Available for Android.
Pro Metronome
More than a dozen time signature options, dynamic accent visualization, analog pendulum animation, and the ability to fine-tune the tempo. You can create complex patterns with triplets, quintuplets, and non-standard time signatures.
The capabilities go far beyond what the average user will ever need. Although who knows what you might need. Pro Metronome has several paid versions that include additional features such as polyrhythm options and programmable playlists.
Available for Android / iPhone.
Dr.Betotte
If you were to judge an app by its features alone, Dr.Betotte TC would probably come out on top. Here you'll find many of the tools that have made the desktop version of the program a favorite among musicians for a long time.
From controlling the volume of each hit, adjusting the "groove feel" to creating complex polyrhythms with the ability to sync multiple devices, this app can do almost anything! In terms of features, Dr. Betotte TC is unrivaled.
You can set the number of beats per minute and the size of the beats as you like. Use a regular style or swing with an emphasis on the weak beat, set the volume level for each beat.
Here is just some of the functionality available:
- 6 independent time signatures,
- Setting values for each division,
- Mute for each division,
- Assign presets or your own sounds,
- Adjust the speed of each hit,
- Gradually increase/decelerate the tempo, adjust the attenuation,
- Pendulum animation, screen flashing when hit,
- Swing feel adjustment functions with emphasis on the downbeat,
- Apple Watch support.
Separately, it is worth noting the learning function with a gradual change in tempo, with an increase or decrease. Simply an ideal tool for those who are learning to play a musical instrument and want to hone their skills.
Available for iPhone.
Tempo Advance
It means a lot when a metronome gets endorsement from longtime Dream Theater drummer Mike Mangini, a virtuoso drummer! And that's exactly what happened with Tempo Advance. The app was developed with Mangini's recommendations in mind. It has Bluetooth support, sound and design customization. But what sets Tempo Advance apart from its peers is not this, but its unrivaled functionality for working with polyrhythms (up to 20 beats per channel).
Automatic tempo matching is supported, there is the ability to connect multiple displays and a choice of metronome sounds. There is a set of time signatures, you can save presets. Moreover, multitasking is supported and work in the background even when the phone is locked.
Available for iPhone.
Tempo with Setlist
Tempo is created by the same team that makes Tempo Advance. The app features an outstanding set of options for working with set lists and a free lite version with slightly reduced functionality.
We would recommend upgrading from Lite to the paid version. Not only because it allows you to switch between five modes that can optimize the metronome display for any playing scenario, but also because of the ability to save presets, setlists and email them to other users.
Available for iPhone.